Serving 85+ Households Nationwide · Fiduciary Financial Advisor
A Financial Plan Built for Project Managers
Project managers in Michigan earn solid W2 salaries, typically $70,000 to $120,000, across healthcare, tech, construction, and automotive. Moving between industries during a PM career is common, and each job change triggers financial decisions that most PMs are not prepared for. The financial complexity is not dramatic, but ignoring it is expensive.
The Financial Challenges Project Managers Face
These are not generic financial planning issues. They are specific to your profession, your income structure, and the decisions you are likely facing right now.
401(k) optimization at PM salary levels
At $80,000 to $120,000 in income, a project manager is in a range where both the pre-tax vs. Roth decision and the contribution rate decision matter significantly. Defaulting to a 6% contribution for the match and leaving the rest in cash is one of the most common wealth-building failures at this income level. We work through your specific plan lineup, contribution rate, and pre-tax vs. Roth allocation based on your actual tax situation.
Managing financial transitions when switching industries or employers
Project managers who move from healthcare to tech to construction leave a trail of 401(k) accounts at former employers that are easy to forget and expensive to neglect. Each account carries fees, potentially poor investment options, and requires active decision-making. A rollover process built at each job transition keeps retirement savings consolidated, low-cost, and actively managed rather than abandoned.
Planning around income growth as you advance
The jump from project coordinator to PM to senior PM to program director can add $40,000 to $60,000 in salary over a career. Each income jump that does not proportionally increase your savings rate is a missed opportunity that compounds over time. A plan that builds savings rate increases into each promotion prevents lifestyle inflation from absorbing every raise.
Home purchase planning in your 30s
Many project managers are buying their first home in their 30s while also trying to save for retirement and pay down student loans. The down payment timeline, how much home you can actually afford given your other financial obligations, and whether to prioritize mortgage paydown or investing after purchase all require planning that accounts for your full financial picture.
A financial advisor who makes sure you're actually building the life you want.
Chris started Villaire Financial because the financial services industry has largely overlooked people in their 20s and 30s for decades. He built this firm specifically for young professionals to give them clarity and direction with their finances.
Meet ChrisWhat a Financial Plan for Project Managers Covers
Villaire Financial is a fee-only, fiduciary financial planning firm built for young professionals. No asset minimums. No commissions. A real plan built around your actual situation.
What clients say about working with Chris
"I'm so glad I started working with Chris early on in my career. He worked with me to create a plan that's unique to my financial goals and helped me get started with investing and planning for retirement."
"Chris has always been on top of his work and has helped me better my financial future. He truly cares about his clients and is continually trying to improve. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for financial growth and guidance."
"Working with Villaire Financial has been great. I wouldn't have started investing my money if it wasn't for Chris, and I'm glad I did. Chris is easy to communicate with and really understands how to help Gen Z put their money in the right places."
Testimonials from current clients of Villaire Financial, LLC. No compensation was provided. Individual experiences and results will vary.
Common Questions from Project Managers
How do I handle a 401(k) rollover when switching industries?
You have three options when leaving an employer: leave the balance in the old plan, roll it to your new employer's plan, or roll it to an IRA. Rolling to an IRA gives you the most investment flexibility and typically the lowest fees. Rolling to the new employer plan keeps everything consolidated but depends on the quality of that plan's investment options. Leaving small balances scattered at multiple former employers is the option to avoid. Always do a direct rollover to prevent mandatory 20% withholding.
Should I use Roth or pre-tax 401(k) as a project manager?
At $80,000 to $100,000, you are likely in the 22% federal bracket. Pre-tax contributions reduce your current tax bill by $220 for every $1,000 contributed at that rate. At $110,000 to $120,000 approaching the 24% bracket, the trade-off between current savings and future tax-free growth becomes closer. Where you expect your income and taxes to be in retirement is the key variable in this decision.
How do I plan for buying a home while also saving for retirement?
The standard approach: always capture your full 401(k) employer match first, that is non-negotiable. Beyond the match, split additional savings between a home down payment fund and retirement contributions based on your timeline. If you plan to buy within three to four years, keep the down payment fund in cash or short-term bonds, not the market. We calculate a specific monthly savings split based on your target home price and retirement goals.
What does financial planning actually look like for someone with a W2 job?
It starts with a full picture of your finances: income, accounts, debt, spending, and goals. From there, we build a plan that covers your 401(k) strategy, savings rate and priority order, debt payoff sequence, and any major upcoming financial decisions like home purchase or career change. Meetings happen at least twice a year to adjust the plan as your situation changes. The goal is that every financial decision you make has a clear rationale behind it.
Is there a minimum to work with Villaire Financial?
No. There are no asset minimums. The one-time onboarding fee is $250 and covers your full financial plan. Ongoing planning is $75 per month. A project manager with a 401(k), a car loan, and a plan to buy a house in three years is exactly the right starting point.
Book a Free 30-Minute Intro Call
No sales pitch, no obligation. Just an honest conversation about your financial situation and what working together would look like. The call is free and there is no pressure to move forward.
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